News
USask researchers publish first Canadian guidelines for Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy
The guidelines, titled Best Practice Recommendations for the Clinical Care of Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy, were published on September 22 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
SBMA, also known as Kennedy’s Disease, is a slowly progressive condition affecting lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy and fasciculations. While globally rare, estimated at one to two cases per 100,000—the highest known prevalence in the world is among Indigenous populations in Saskatchewan, reaching 14.7 per 100,000.
Led by Dr. Kerri Schellenberg (MD), associate professor, neurology, in the Department of Medicine, the project represents a landmark in improving care for SBMA patients across Canada.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Most of our team lives and works on Treaty 6 territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The original peoples of these lands are the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Métis. Others are based in Vancouver, on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. We encourage everyone, wherever they are, to learn about the Indigenous people of the lands on which they live and work. We seek to become engaged allies together. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we respect the self-determination of First Nations, Métis and Inuit – in their cultures, languages and their pursuit of wellness.
© 2023 Pewaseskwan (the Indigenous Wellness Research Group) | Office of the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness, University of Saskatchewan.